Like in years past, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been connected to a slew of players as the MLB trade deadline draws near. This season, the bulk of speculation stems from their search for bullpen pieces ahead of July 31.
New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz is among the relief pitchers the Dodgers are said to have interest in. So too are Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star Felipe Vazquez, and Cincinnati Reds left-hander Amir Garrett, should he become available.
Diaz is one of multiple pitchers the Mets are believed to be shopping, with one scenario suggesting they are looking to pair him in a trade that also includes starter Zack Wheeler.
It’s unclear if the Dodgers have a desire to additionally take on Wheeler, but at minimum they remain interested in Diaz, according to Anthony Martino of SNY
Dodgers still in play for Edwin Diaz, per major league sources.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) July 29, 2019
The right-handed closer is mired in a down first season with the Mets, going 1-6 with 22 saves, a 4.81 ERA, 3.50 FIP and 1.45 WHIP in 34 games thus far. Diaz pitched to a 1.96 ERA and converted 57 saves in an All-Star season with the Seattle Mariners last year.
The Mariners traded Diaz, Robinson Cano and $20 million in cash considerations to the Mets over the winter in exchange for Jay Bruce, Anthony Swarzak and prospects Jarred Kelenic, Justin Dunn and Gerson Bautista.
New York hoped the deal would help them become contenders in the National League East this season, but they are under .500 and well out of the postseason picture.
Along with Diaz, the Dodgers are believed to have interest in Noah Syndergaard. While L.A. has an apparent need to upgrade their bullpen, trading for a starter would allow greater flexibility in moving Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling back into roles as relief pitchers.
Diaz is under team control via salary arbitration in each of the next three seasons, and he would then become a free agent after the 2022 campaign.
